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The Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK to undertake non-pastoral and non-preaching religious work, such as working in a religious order or supporting the day-to-day activities of a religious institution. This visa is part of the Temporary Work route and requires sponsorship from a UK-based religious organization that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. It is aimed at those who have been offered a job within a religious community in the UK, such as administrative, support, or monastic roles. The main purpose is to allow religious workers to contribute to their religious communities in the UK on a temporary basis.
Religious Worker
The Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work) is designed for individuals who wish to come to the UK to undertake non-pastoral and non-preaching religious work, such as working in a religious order or supporting the day-to-day activities of a religious institution. This visa is part of the Temporary Work route and requires sponsorship from a UK-based religious organization that holds a valid Sponsor Licence. It is aimed at those who have been offered a job within a religious community in the UK, such as administrative, support, or monastic roles. The main purpose is to allow religious workers to contribute to their religious communities in the UK on a temporary basis.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for the Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work), including detailed requirements, step-by-step application process, required documents, costs, timeline, and expert tips for a successful application.
Varies by application type
Immigration Health Charge
Paid by employer
The Religious Worker visa (Temporary Work) is a UK visa for individuals who wish to serve in religious roles temporarily in the UK. It is designed for roles such as missionaries, pastoral workers, and other religious duties. This visa allows holders to work in the UK for up to 24 months and bring dependents along.
FeaturedThe first step is to secure a job offer from a religious organization in the UK that has a valid sponsor license. The organization must then issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which is essential for your visa application.
FeaturedA Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number issued by a UK religious institution that holds a valid sponsorship license. It confirms your job offer and outlines the specifics of your role, including duties and salary. It is crucial as you cannot apply for this visa without a valid CoS.
FeaturedA Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a reference number issued by your UK sponsor. It proves that your job offer is legitimate and that the sponsoring organization is authorized to sponsor migrant workers. You cannot apply for the visa without it.
FeaturedThere are no specific salary thresholds for the Religious Worker visa. However, the sponsoring organization must ensure the salary complies with UK wage laws and is appropriate for the role. Salaries must meet minimum wage requirements unless the role is exempt due to its voluntary nature.
FeaturedYou will need bank statements showing you have held at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your visa application. Alternatively, your sponsor can certify your maintenance on the CoS.
FeaturedPossible tightening of eligibility criteria to ensure that the visa is used for genuine religious work and not for circumventing other immigration routes.
8/16/2025